Blossom's motion was closely followed by Tollefson, who nominated Blair.

Those on the dais did take a brief moment to entertain postponing the election, when Townsend asked the council to consider waiting until after a city council retreat to pick a mayor.

"I don't personally feel ready to make that decision," Townsend said.

He explained that the council could instead elect an interim mayor until the staff retreat.

Without a second to Townsend's motion, the postponement failed.

Anne Blair was then elected with a 4-3 vote by a show of hands.

Tollefson, Roth, Townsend and Blair voted to make Blair the new mayor.

Blossom, Bonkowski and Councilman David Ward voted for Bonkowski.

Under the council-manager form of government, the mayor is not involved in managing the day-to-day operations of city hall. The mayor presides over meetings of the council, and is recognized as the head of the city for ceremonial purposes.